Job summary We are looking for an End of Life Care Support Worker to join the Hospital Specialist Palliative Care and End of Life Care Team,working alongside and under the guidance of the End of Life Care Facilitator in Dorset County Hospital, for 16.5 hours a week. Main duties of the job Maintaining an efficient end of life care service and ensuring patients and those important to them can access the support they need. To be an essential link between the End of Life Care Facilitator and health care professionals in the hospital, promptly responding to the referrals to the service. Provide support, advice and assessments for patients who are approaching end of their life, to enable all staff to improve the care of patients. Contribute to the holistic needs assessment and individualised end of life care plans. In absence of the End of Life Care Facilitator liaise with the hospital specialist palliative care team relating to complex symptom management and psychological distress. Work closely with the hospital chaplains, bereavement team and end of life care volunteers to support the delivery of excellent end of life care service. Support with the End of Life Care Education Programme. Support with data collection for end of life care audits as required. The post holder is aware of the importance of role in empowering colleagues across the hospital to have skills to provide end of life care, and to avoid dependency of Palliative and End of Life Care Team Escalate concerns that may impact patient care or end of life care service to the End of Life Care Facilitator. About us At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups. Date posted 20 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £26,530 to £29,114 a year pro rata per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working Reference number 405-25-CS109ELSW Job locations Dorset County Hospital Dorchester DT1 2JY Job description Job responsibilities Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification. Please contact Recruitmentdchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment. For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online. Job description Job responsibilities Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification. Please contact Recruitmentdchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment. For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online. Person Specification EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING Essential GCSE English Language and Mathematics (Grades A-C) or equivalent NVQ4 plus additional training to diploma level equivalent, or equivalent through short courses or NVQ3 in a relevant field plus additional training to diploma level equivalent through short courses or Foundation degree in health and social care Desirable Evidence of continued role development Willingness to undertake learning and development courses Coaching or teaching qualification/ experience KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE Essential Relevant health or social care experience Experience working with patients at end of life Experience of multi-professional working Evidence of good communicational skills Understanding of the health and social care environment Understanding of end of life care Experience and evidence of communication with patients and relatives Desirable Ability to cope with distressed patients, relatives and health professionals Understanding of individualised care Experience of working within end of life/ palliative care Managing phone calls/ referrals Awareness of holistic assessment SKILLS & ABILITIES Essential Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively Ability to work within a team Ability to motivate self and others Flexible attitude to working Accurate written communication Ability to show empathy and understand difficulties faced by people at end of life Ability to use own initiative Ability to retrieve information from wide range of sources Ability to handle distressing situations with sensitivity and empathy Good observational skills Practical problem-solving skills Good time management skills Demonstrates behaviour and attitudes that support the Trust's values Desirable Computer/ IT skills Effective organisation skills Ability to prioritise own workload Person Specification EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING Essential GCSE English Language and Mathematics (Grades A-C) or equivalent NVQ4 plus additional training to diploma level equivalent, or equivalent through short courses or NVQ3 in a relevant field plus additional training to diploma level equivalent through short courses or Foundation degree in health and social care Desirable Evidence of continued role development Willingness to undertake learning and development courses Coaching or teaching qualification/ experience KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE Essential Relevant health or social care experience Experience working with patients at end of life Experience of multi-professional working Evidence of good communicational skills Understanding of the health and social care environment Understanding of end of life care Experience and evidence of communication with patients and relatives Desirable Ability to cope with distressed patients, relatives and health professionals Understanding of individualised care Experience of working within end of life/ palliative care Managing phone calls/ referrals Awareness of holistic assessment SKILLS & ABILITIES Essential Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively Ability to work within a team Ability to motivate self and others Flexible attitude to working Accurate written communication Ability to show empathy and understand difficulties faced by people at end of life Ability to use own initiative Ability to retrieve information from wide range of sources Ability to handle distressing situations with sensitivity and empathy Good observational skills Practical problem-solving skills Good time management skills Demonstrates behaviour and attitudes that support the Trust's values Desirable Computer/ IT skills Effective organisation skills Ability to prioritise own workload Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Address Dorset County Hospital Dorchester DT1 2JY Employer's website https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)